Over 80 stray dogs get a second chance in Windsor |

On Sunday, August 15, more than 80 stray dogs made the journey from Texas to Windsor, Ontario, in the largest rescue dog transfer Windsor has received to date. Melanie Coulter, executive director of the Windsor Essex County Humane Society (WECHS), has expressed the excitement of everyone involved in giving these dogs a second chance at a happy life.

Michelle Anderson of El Paso Animal Services (EPAS) has spoken out about the transfer, saying they have no doubts that all dogs arriving in Windsor will be given a second chance in Canada and will need to be adopted quickly upon arrival.

Coulter explained that there is capacity for adopters available in Windsor to make the long journey worthwhile for these lost pups. With new houses waiting for them on the other side. A full team consisting of both trained volunteers and staff was eagerly waiting to receive the transfer on site.

Anderson of EPAS expressed deep gratitude to the Windsor Humane Society and the Bissel Pet Foundation for sponsoring and offering the transfer of the large rescue pup. All happy pets within a year thanks to the efforts of these two companies.

According to Anderson, shelters across the United States are overrun with stray dogs in desperate need of a new home and a chance at a happy life. Apparently the EPAS team has worked tirelessly to get these dogs out of their shelters and prepare them for the journey ahead to a new life. It is an absolute must that they make sure that all necessary medical preparations are in place, as Anderson explains, “to ensure these dogs are tested for heartworms, have PCR testing and have all their vaccines on board.”

“It’s a bit of a long haul, but they’re going to much better life-saving opportunities,” Anderson explained to CTV News. Many of the dogs transferred to Windsor have been in shelters for months or in some cases more than a year.

According to Coulter of WECHS, there is actually a frequent shortage of dogs available for the number of people who want to adopt them in Canada. And so they are happy to accept this new transfer because they are confident that Windsor will be able to provide homes for them where the United States cannot.

Coulter has also talked about the incredible efforts of EPAS to ensure these dogs have every chance of a strong and full life. They say they are “really proud to work with them.” She goes on to explain that the EPAS has been great at providing the correct medical information for each dog and making sure a new home is quickly found for them once they arrive in Windsor.

“Some of them, of course, need to be spayed or neutered when they gain weight,” explains Coulter. In addition, they will be sent to a foster home on arrival to have limited contact with other dogs before being fully approved for adoption.

Fortunately, the dogs arrived safely in Windsor, and with their papers securely attached to their kennels. Now they have to wait a little longer before they can go to their forever home.